CHARGES OF THEFT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21993, 30 June 1933, Page 9

CHARGES OF THEFT

ENGAGED GIRLS DEFRAUDED ACCUSED REFUNDS MONEY. (Peb United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, June 29. Osrey Arthur Fitzpatrick, a salesman on remand, was convicted and discharged on four counts of theft, the result of collecting money on orders for linen, and not delivering it. It was stated that accused had paid the money into court. The accused was remanded on a further charge of a similar nature. The police said further claims for the return of moneys collected by the accused were still coming in. On Tuesday last Fitzpatrick, aged 32, a salesman, of Australia, was charged with the theft of various sums from young women. The police alleged that the accused had booked orders for linen on the time payment system. He secured customers by ascertaining the names of girls who had recently become engaged and would require linen. He failed to supply the goods even after the final payments had been made, and was arrested in Wellington. He evidently had no intention of fulfilling the orders. Evidence was given by four persons from whom it was alleged Fitzpatrick had taken orders for goods and had accepted money in payment, but to whom he had failed to deliver the goods.' In evidence, Fitzpatrick said his sales in Christchurch had been £SOO to £OSO in one year. He had received no complaints except the four mentioned in the charge. The magistrate said the accused’s actions led him to believe he was not thoroughly honest. He was either dishonest or his carelessness amounted to criminal carelessness. The hearing was adjourned to enable the accused to furnish the goods or repay the money.